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Lebanon’s Hady Habib made history on Thursday by winning the final round of the Australian Open qualifiers.

Hady Habib has become the first Lebanese tennis player to qualify for the Grand Slam tournament after winning the final round at the Australian Open qualifiers on Thursday.

For Habib, this achievement transcends personal success—it is a tribute to his homeland.

“It means the world to me. Representing Lebanon—a country and people I love so much—fills me with immense pride," Habib told This Is Beirut. "Having lived there and embraced its culture and values, it brings me nothing but joy to carry that legacy forward on such a prestigious stage. Alongside my fellow Lebanese player, Benjamin Hassan, I am proud to represent Lebanon on the global tennis stage," he added.

A Dominant Performance in Qualifiers

The 26-year-old made an impressive debut in his first Grand Slam qualifying tournament, securing victories in all three rounds on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. He won over Patrick Kypson (USA) and Chun-Hsin Tseng (Chinese Taipei) in tightly contested matches, both ending in tiebreaks.

In the final qualifying round, Habib delivered an emotional three-set victory against France’s Clement Chidekh. He is now set to make his Grand Slam debut in the Australian Open’s first round next week.

“I’m most excited about the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in tennis,” Habib shared. “But what I’m especially looking forward to is the support from the Lebanese community. It means a lot to me to have my people cheering me on, and I hope to feel their energy as I take the court.”

Habib’s journey to the Australian Open has been paved with remarkable achievements. Last year, he became the first Lebanese player to win an ATP Challenger title, clinching a stunning victory in Chile. That accomplishment secured his automatic entry into the Australian Open qualifiers.

Overcoming Challenges

Habib’s rise to international prominence has not been without hurdles. Like many Lebanese athletes, he faced significant challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure in his homeland.

Starting tennis at nine in Lebanon, he quickly realized that pursuing the sport professionally would require broader opportunities. At age 12, Habib moved to the United States—where he was born—to train and compete at a higher level.

“As a player from a small country with limited resources, there were many obstacles along the way," he said. "Early on, I had to compete without wild cards or sponsors, often traveling alone to tournaments without a clear plan or guidance. It was a difficult path, but it taught me independence and perseverance. Over time, I built my team in Argentina, which has been a key part of my journey."

Despite these challenges, Habib’s determination has propelled him to proudly represent Lebanon on the global stage. He carried the Lebanese flag with honor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he faced Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the first round.

Carrying the Hopes of a Nation

As Hady Habib prepares to step onto the Grand Slam stage next week, he carries not just his racket but the aspirations of a nation eagerly watching him make history as the first Lebanese to compete in a men’s singles draw at a Grand Slam.